Category: United States

World Health Organization Recognizes Gaming Disorder as an Addiction.

What is Gaming Addiction

Addiction does not discriminate when it comes to most things. Gaming addiction tends to hit mostly children and teens between the ages of 10 and 18. Gaming addiction is a growing problem among young men and boys. Especially as video games allow for time in a fantasy environment that is often competitive and violent. This allows for gamers to take out aggression and unwind. While interacting digitally with others with a common interest.

Now a Recognized Addiction

Though parents have been concerned about their children’s growing gaming habit for the last decade, gaming addiction was not necessarily a legitimate diagnosis when it came to addiction. However, in June 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) began recognizing ‘gaming disorder’ as a diagnosable condition. There are some concerns with the decision to include it in the newest edition by psychiatric experts. Due to the fact that the research is limited. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) about 160 million American adults play video games. Although the percentage of those who would qualify for the disorder is small. Regardless, WHO has provided a list of signs and symptoms that point to gaming disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

The World Health Organization, currently the only organization recognizing gaming disorder includes the following as signs and symptoms of gaming disorder: A pattern of behavior in which gaming is out of control for at least a 12 month period with a ‘continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences’. Additionally, the pattern of behavior must show that there is an increased priority given to time spent gaming So much so that daily interests and activities are ignored to game. Meaning the person’s choice of gaming affects education, relationships, or occupation. This is aligned with other addiction types where gamers would try to stop playing but could not. In spite of negative consequences and other aspects of life being negatively affected.

Though not currently recognized by the American Psychological Association, there are additional aspects of gaming disorder that have been proposed in conjunction with the WHO’s list. These include a heavy focus on Internet gaming. Withdrawal symptoms when not able to play (anxiety, irritability, and sadness). Tolerance builds up from gaming time, unsuccessful attempts to stop playing, lying about time spent playing, and use of the Internet to relieve negative moods. If these combined with the WHO’s definition are met in at least five areas, then a gaming disorder is likely.

Treatment for Gaming Disorder

Those currently seeking treatment for gaming disorder may hit road blocks. However, with recognition from the World Health Organization this could change. As gaming disorder was not previously recognized, any treatment was likely not covered by insurance. With the addition by WHO, insurances may begin covering treatment. This means mental health professionals will begin preparing to treat the disorder.

As of right now, few professionals know how to treat a disorder that has just been recognized. But as with any addiction type disorder, the treatment will likely be behavioral in treatment form. Treatment will also likely include a limiting and avoidance of video games over time. If you are concerned about a gaming disorder in yourself or your teen, seek help to curb the behavior.

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Loot Boxes Gambling Addiction. Is Your Child A Gambling Addict?

What are Loot Boxes?

Loot boxes are a relatively new phenomena that are associated with video games. Loot boxes are digital grab bags that cause players to spend real money or in game currency to gain gifts for the game. The trick comes in the fact that you never know what is in the loot box. The game randomly places different types of rewards inside each box. While the actual theory behind the loot box is not new, the term is as are the featured items. Many times players can earn avatars, costumes, cosmetic items, and even voice lines for their characters. The loot boxes do not necessarily give items for the character you are using. Free loot boxes may be handed out for leveling up. However for those who choose to spend money, items can be collected faster.

While mobile games have contained similar items for some time, loot boxes add to the fun of game play through micro purchases. These loot boxes are becoming more familiar in PC and console games. Some of the more popular games with current loot boxes are Overwatch, Star Wars Battlefront II, Gears of War 4, and even Halo 5.

Gamer Issues with Loot Boxes

Some gamers equate loot boxes gambling addiction to gambling on poker machines. When you open them up, you may get something useful that you want or something unwanted and unnecessary. This is a little different from gambling, as you do always get something. This does however mean that players may have to spend more money, digital or otherwise to get to the items they want. The argument for some is that you are paying to play or paying for items that should already be in the game. Even though the transactions are often small, this is a way for game publishers to make money.

Loot Boxes Gambling Addiction

As a large portion of gamers are kids and teenagers. Some feel loot boxes are creating a type of gambling addiction for children. Gaming addiction is not a new addiction, but in the last decade, video games have become a dominant form of entertainment. Video games are available in a range of places and at almost all times for gamers. This allows gaming to become a priority in a child’s life. Easily attached as if they cannot or will not stop playing. Thus letting other activities fall by the wayside. This can quickly morph into an addiction from what was once meant to be just fun.

If a child is addicted to a game and wishes to become the highest level player or gain the most points, buying loot boxes may become more appealing. This is reinforced by the joy of leveling up. They can feel a sense of obligation to other players, or even just to further escape into a fantasy world. Gamers can even feel a strong sense of belonging to the online community. Making them want to rise up in that community through extras.

Help for Your Gamer

If you feel your teen or child has gaming addiction then seek help. This may mean limiting or cutting out screen time for your child and seeking professional help to deal with the symptoms your child is displaying. It may seem that gaming is not a true addiction, but it is very real and can keep your child from interacting and even cause withdrawal symptoms if they have to stop without warning. If your child needs help or you think a problem exists then don’t wait, seek help right away.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Recognizing Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction in the Elderly.

Addiction

Addiction does not discriminate. In fact, addiction can affect the rich, poor, well educated, all races, and all ages. This means that whether you are 25 or 90, addiction can become an issue. While those who are aged are not as likely to become addicted to illegal drugs, a dependence on prescription drugs is always possible. If you or someone you know and love that is elderly may have an issue with prescription drugs, then you should know the warning signs and know where to get help. The remainder of this article will discuss the signs of prescription drug addiction in the elderly. As well as the treatment options available to this population.

Signs of Prescription Abuse in the Elderly

Prescription drug abuse is defined by the using of prescription drugs in a way that is not consistent with a doctor’s orders. This can include taking medications incorrectly or to continue taking medication that is no longer needed. It may also include taking prescriptions meant for someone else. Or even mixing medications with other drugs or even alcohol. This can lead to a serious problem such as overdose, addiction, or even unexpected interactions. This can also lead to necessary medications not working properly or at all. While most prescription drugs are safe when taken as prescribed, not following directions can be problematic.

The majority of older adults who suffer from prescription drug abuse have come to the point by accident. As this age group takes more medication than other populations. Most use at least five prescriptions regularly, the risk for mixing up medications or improper use is heightened.

Opioids and Benzodiazepines

Any type of prescription medication can be abused. However, with the elderly population there are two main types that have a potential for addiction. These include opioids and benzodiazepines. Opioids are used to control pain. Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety or insomnia.

It can be difficult to distinguish prescription drug abuse and the typical signs of aging in the elderly. Mostly because the symptoms are very much alike. This can include memory loss, confusion, and even lack of coordination. However, if you are caring for someone elderly and notice the following signs, a problem may exist.

Anyone who receives the same medication from two separate doctors or fills the same prescription at two different pharmacies may have a problem. Taking more of a medication or taking it more often than prescribed, as well as becoming withdrawn or angry can point to addiction. Often discussing medication, appearing confused, forgetful, or afraid to leave without medications in hand are also red flags. If the person has been treated before for drug or alcohol abuse, hides medication, stores ‘extra pills’ or makes excuses why more medication is needed, then a problem needs to be addressed.

Seeking Help

If you suspect someone you know is abusing prescription medication, or notice signs of prescription drug addiction then contact their doctor immediately. A medical professional can offer an evaluation and diagnosis of whether a problem exists. The doctor will also determine the best treatment options for that individual. While it is unlikely that all prescriptions can be removed simply due to issues related to age, a stricter regime can be set up to control any possible abuse. Treatment may include medication to help addiction, counseling, or a combination of the two. Your loved one may not even know a problem exists, this is why being aware and ever vigilant is so important.

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Can Vivitrol Help With Opioid Addiction?

What is Opioid Addiction

With opioid addiction, even short term addiction can lead to overdose. Opioids are a class of drug, some prescription, some manufactured, are opium like compounds that bind to one or more of the three opioid receptors in the brain. When used as directed, opioids are safe to use to control acute pain, such as that following surgery. However, if the medications are used incorrectly, they can quickly become addictive and cause physical and mental issues.

Opioids travel through the blood to attach to the opioid receptors to muffle your perception of pain and ultimately boost pleasurable feelings. Unfortunately, this effect also makes them highly dangerous. While low doses of opioids can make you sleepy, higher doses can lead to slowed breathing and lowered heart rate, which can lead to death. While many opioids are prescriptions, heroin is manufactured by makers and dealers and is illegal for any type use. This does not mean it is any more or less dangerous than abused prescriptions just that it is made illegally.

Help for Opioid Addiction

There are many treatment options for opioid addiction. While in-patient treatment is always a first choice, there are other options. To begin with you should find a reputable doctor or facility to detox in slowly.  Detox from opioids can be life threatening if done cold turkey. Once the until detox is complete, a program, counseling, or group therapy should be sought after if not in an in-patient facility. This will allow you to learn the necessary tools to stay clean long term. This is often accomplished through behavioral therapy techniques over time.

Another option for dealing with opioid addiction is a medication known as Vivitrol. Vivitrol is an antagonist, also known as a blocking medication. This allows Vivitrol to reach opioid receptors, but does not allow for dopamine release. These are non-addictive and will not lead to physical dependence. This also means that Vivitrol can help prevent relapse for those with opioid dependence. To start using Vivitrol you must first be detoxed from opioids. However, once the detox is complete the medication works for a full month at a time.

Concerns with Vivitrol

There are some concerns in using Vivitrol if you have an opioid addiction. Accidental overdose is a concern. If you try to overcome the effects of the medication by taking large amounts of opioids, it can lead to injury, death, or coma. After you get the dose of Vivitrol, the blocking effect slowly wears off over time. If you go back to using opioids after the Vivitrol dose wears off and try using the same amount, it can lead to instant overdose or death. Additionally, you may be much more sensitive to opioids after the initial dose of Vivitrol.

Make sure that you are opioid free for 7 to 14 days prior to receiving an opioid dose and all street drugs. Including methadone, or rapid withdrawal may occur. While some doctors may choose to start Vivitrol in a medical facility, this must be done under supervision in a place where sudden withdrawal symptoms can be managed. Vivitrol may even cause liver damage and any symptoms should be reported for diagnosis.

If you choose to try Vivitrol know you should expect a monthly injection that will slowly lose effectiveness throughout the month. If this is an option you want to consider, contact a healthcare provider to see if you qualify. Your life is worth living addiction free, do what is necessary to make that happen.

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Treatment For Opiate Addiction: One On One vs Group Therapy.

Treatment For Opiate Addiction: What are Opiates?

Opiates are drugs with morphine like effects that are derived from opium. Opiates are drugs such as heroin, codeine, morphine, Oxycodone or Oxycontin, Hydrocodone or Vicodin, and Dilaudid or Hydromorphone. Some of these drugs are prescriptions, however heroin is produced using the poppy plant. All are highly addictive, even the prescriptions when abused or used incorrectly. Though all opiates tend to have generic names, heroin has the most. Such as black tar, poppy, Al Capone, and brown crystal, among others. While the prescriptions are commonly used to manage pain, they can be injected, snorted, and ingested to create a high.

The Dangers of Heroin

Heroin is also highly addictive and derived from morphine. It’s used as a downer that has a depressant effect on the brain’s pleasure system. This masks the brain’s ability to perceive pain. Heroin can be used in various ways. Such as injected into a vein or muscle, mixed with other drugs and smoked, used in a water or standard pipe, and even snorted. The short term effects typically show up immediately and last for a few hours. The effects include a sudden burst of euphoria that then leads to a warm flushing of the skin, heaviness in the extremities, and dry mouth.

The user then enters a ‘nodding’ phase in which they alternate between a wakeful and drowsy state that leads to mental fog and depression of the central nervous system. The user may also have slowed or slurred speech, vomiting, constipation, drooping eyelids, and a slow gait. Night vision could also be effected negatively.

Chronic users can also develop heart infections, collapsed veins, liver diseases, abscesses, and even cellulitis. As the health of the chronic user gets worse, other problems such as pneumonia and other respiratory disorders can easily develop. When users try to stop using, withdrawal can start within hours and create a severe reaction.

Seeking Help: One On One vs Group Therapy

If you or someone you know has an opiate addiction, then you should know that help is available. If you are choosing to attend counseling, which is best used after initial detox in an in-patient facility, then there are two main options. Both one on one counseling and group therapy can be effective, as can a combination of the two. Each option with be described below.

The Benefits of One on One

One on one counseling is just what it sounds. It is you or your loved one seeing a counselor to help work through the issues related to drug abuse and use. It is likely that some aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, will be utilized to help you learn the tools necessary to get and stay clean over time. This may include the use of medication if other issues, such as depression and anxiety exist. The advantage of one on one therapy is that full attention is focused on you and your personal concerns. The therapist is wholly focused on what can be done to help with treatment for opiate addiction. 

The Benefits of Group Therapy

Group counseling is also an option that can be used alone or in conjunction with one on one therapy. The advantages of group therapy are the shared time with other clients and the sharing of similar circumstances. This is so you do not feel like you are alone in what is happening. Group therapy will apply many of the same techniques as one on one counseling, but in a more generalized manner. This way it applies to the addiction more than anyone specific in the group. If you are hesitant to share your current issues, then group therapy may be the best choice as you can learn from the experience of others. 

A combination of the two types of therapy may be the ultimate option. This way you can focus on personal issues in a private session, yet learn from others and feel more outside support during a group session. The key is to know that addiction is treatable.  Although, what works for one may not work for someone else. Give different styles of treatment for opiate addiction a chance before making a decision. That works best in your personal circumstances.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.